Qazigund, Mar 11: Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman, Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said that if elected to power, the DPAP would provide free electricity to poor households in Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering in Baihama village of south Kashmir’s Qazigund area, Azad said his party would ensure that poor households receive free electricity while wealthy individuals would pay according to their usage or contribute free electricity for the benefit of the poor.
“In J&K, we have a similar billing system for both poor and rich regarding electricity payments. Why can’t the wealthy pay more given their substantial earnings? Just as Delhi charges lower electricity bills for households and the affluent pay more, we will establish a similar system,” he said.
“In Delhi, households consuming 200 units pay less, those consuming 400 units pay double, and those consuming 800 units pay even more. This indicates that the wealthy pay 50 percent more while the poor receive free electricity. In J&K, however, the billing system does not reflect this disparity. So, there is a need to prioritise assistance for the poor,” he added.
The former chief minister said his party has plans to also address water supply dues in a similar manner.
Responding to a question about the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Azad said it includes three former chief ministers who understand what is best for them.
He also pledged to introduce a law to safeguard land and job opportunities in the region if voted to power. “When the government issued land eviction orders, our party was the only one that took to the streets. It was my party that fought against land eviction orders, so bulldozers were stopped. I met the Home Minister in Delhi,” he said.
The DPAP chief stressed the importance of restoring statehood, saying the Central government promised in the Parliament that statehood will be restored after elections.
Azad reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his promises, saying he will deliver what he promises. He affirmed his slogan “Kaam Bolta Hai, Kaam Bolega (Work Speaks, Work Will Speak)”, emphasising that his actions and achievements will speak for themselves.
He said despite improvements such as a reduction in militancy and an enhanced work culture, many developmental tasks remain unfinished.
